ETCP CERTIFIED AUDIO TECHNICIAN
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the unit of sound frequency?
A. Watt
B. Hertz
C. Decibel
D. Ohm
Rationale: Frequency is measured in cycles per second, or Hertz.
2. What does dB SPL stand for?
A. Decibel Standard Power Level
B. Decibel Sound Pressure Level
C. Direct Base Sound Position
D. Dynamic Balance Scale
Rationale: dB SPL is the unit for sound pressure level.
3. Which component converts electrical audio signals to sound?
A. Mixer
B. Preamp
C. Loudspeaker
D. DI box
Rationale: Loudspeakers convert electrical signals into acoustic energy.
4. What is the purpose of a crossover?
A. Increase power
B. Divide audio into frequency bands
C. Reduce distortion
, D. Convert analog to digital
Rationale: Crossovers split audio into frequency bands for different
drivers.
5. In PA systems, what does FOH stand for?
A. Frequency Output Handler
B. Front Of House
C. Feedback Overhead
D. Filtered Output Hub
Rationale: FOH refers to the primary mixing position in an audio setup.
6. What does XLR cable typically carry?
A. Speaker level signal
B. Balanced mic/line signal
C. Power to amps
D. Unbalanced signal
Rationale: XLR is used for balanced audio, common for mics.
7. Impedance is measured in:
A. Volts
B. Amps
C. Ohms
D. Watts
Rationale: Impedance is resistance to AC, measured in Ohms.
8. What is feedback?
A. Increased bass response
B. When a mic picks up its own amplified output
C. A gain reduction tool
D. Delay effect
Rationale: Feedback occurs when output is re-amplified into input.
9. A condenser mic requires:
A. No power
B. Phantom power
C. Speaker output
D. Battery only
Rationale: Condenser mics need external power to charge the capsule.
, 10.What is SPL?
A. Signal Power Level
B. Sound Pressure Level
C. System Phase Line
D. Standard Power Loss
Rationale: SPL measures acoustic pressure level.
11.What does EQ adjust?
A. Amplifier power
B. Frequency balance
C. Speaker placement
D. Cable quality
Rationale: EQ shapes tonal character by boosting/cutting frequencies.
12.A limiter’s function is to:
A. Boost high frequencies
B. Delay signal
C. Prevent signal from exceeding a threshold
D. Split channels
Rationale: Limiters control peaks to protect equipment/sound.
13.What is a DI box used for?
A. Amplify speakers
B. Convert instrument level to mic level
C. Split power
D. Add reverb
Rationale: DI boxes balance instruments into mixers.
14.Balanced cables reduce:
A. Power loss
B. Noise and interference
C. SPL
D. Frequency response
Rationale: Balanced lines cancel noise via differential signaling.
15.Phantom power is typically:
A. 12 V
B. 24 V
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the unit of sound frequency?
A. Watt
B. Hertz
C. Decibel
D. Ohm
Rationale: Frequency is measured in cycles per second, or Hertz.
2. What does dB SPL stand for?
A. Decibel Standard Power Level
B. Decibel Sound Pressure Level
C. Direct Base Sound Position
D. Dynamic Balance Scale
Rationale: dB SPL is the unit for sound pressure level.
3. Which component converts electrical audio signals to sound?
A. Mixer
B. Preamp
C. Loudspeaker
D. DI box
Rationale: Loudspeakers convert electrical signals into acoustic energy.
4. What is the purpose of a crossover?
A. Increase power
B. Divide audio into frequency bands
C. Reduce distortion
, D. Convert analog to digital
Rationale: Crossovers split audio into frequency bands for different
drivers.
5. In PA systems, what does FOH stand for?
A. Frequency Output Handler
B. Front Of House
C. Feedback Overhead
D. Filtered Output Hub
Rationale: FOH refers to the primary mixing position in an audio setup.
6. What does XLR cable typically carry?
A. Speaker level signal
B. Balanced mic/line signal
C. Power to amps
D. Unbalanced signal
Rationale: XLR is used for balanced audio, common for mics.
7. Impedance is measured in:
A. Volts
B. Amps
C. Ohms
D. Watts
Rationale: Impedance is resistance to AC, measured in Ohms.
8. What is feedback?
A. Increased bass response
B. When a mic picks up its own amplified output
C. A gain reduction tool
D. Delay effect
Rationale: Feedback occurs when output is re-amplified into input.
9. A condenser mic requires:
A. No power
B. Phantom power
C. Speaker output
D. Battery only
Rationale: Condenser mics need external power to charge the capsule.
, 10.What is SPL?
A. Signal Power Level
B. Sound Pressure Level
C. System Phase Line
D. Standard Power Loss
Rationale: SPL measures acoustic pressure level.
11.What does EQ adjust?
A. Amplifier power
B. Frequency balance
C. Speaker placement
D. Cable quality
Rationale: EQ shapes tonal character by boosting/cutting frequencies.
12.A limiter’s function is to:
A. Boost high frequencies
B. Delay signal
C. Prevent signal from exceeding a threshold
D. Split channels
Rationale: Limiters control peaks to protect equipment/sound.
13.What is a DI box used for?
A. Amplify speakers
B. Convert instrument level to mic level
C. Split power
D. Add reverb
Rationale: DI boxes balance instruments into mixers.
14.Balanced cables reduce:
A. Power loss
B. Noise and interference
C. SPL
D. Frequency response
Rationale: Balanced lines cancel noise via differential signaling.
15.Phantom power is typically:
A. 12 V
B. 24 V
